Public Schools Act 1868

The Public Schools Act 1868 was passed by the British Parliament to reform and regulate seven prominent English boys' boarding schools. These institutions had evolved from ancient charity schools but were primarily educating sons of the upper classes on a fee-paying basis by the 19th century. The Act aimed to address abuses and improve conditions, following the recommendations of the Clarendon Commission, which investigated nine leading schools from 1861 to 1864.

The Act established boards of governors for each school to oversee their administration and authorized Parliament to legislate for these institutions. It also removed the obligation of these schools to educate "Foundation Scholars," who were entitled to nominal or free tuition under their founding charters. The legislation led to a shift away from a strictly classics-based curriculum, traditionally taught by clergymen, toward a broader range of studies.

Seven schools were directly affected: Charterhouse School, Eton College, Harrow School, Rugby School, Shrewsbury School, Westminster School, and Winchester College. St Paul's School and Merchant Taylors' School were excluded after successfully arguing they were private institutions and not subject to public legislation. The Act marked a significant step in the development of these schools and their transition toward modern educational standards.